WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Arent Fox LLP, a leading national law firm, has opened its new Washington, DC office at the iconic corner of Connecticut Avenue and K Street, NW. The architecturally impressive and environmentally sustainable 12-story building was designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Arent Fox occupies two-thirds of the building and the space, designed by STUDIOS Architecture and built by Clark Construction Group, LLC, includes a first-class auditorium and roof-deck that overlooks Farragut Square, with a sightline to the White House.

"We are pleased to announce that more than five years of hard work and careful planning have culminated in the opening of this state-of-the-art office," said Chairman Mark M. Katz. "Our lawyers will benefit from our highly efficient use of space. The new office includes all of the latest high-tech capabilities that support energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and technology. The office is a more collaborative work space and will allow us to meet our clients' requirements and respond to the demands of a highly competitive market."

The firm's new office at 1717 K Street, NW is one of the largest private sector real estate projects completed in the District in recent years. In addition to an auditorium that seats 150 people and the roof-deck, the new office provides the firm with prominent signage on the building exterior; a first-floor Arent Fox reception area; a modern multi-purpose room for large events and meetings; and a 4,000 square foot fitness center.

The opening is not the only new space that Arent Fox will debut in 2013. After closing 2012 with the highest gross revenue in firm history, and more than five years removed from the successful opening of the firm's Los Angeles office, Arent Fox is also formally announcing plans to open an office in San Francisco later this year.

"The partnership has decided to build off the success of our Los Angeles office and establish an office in San Francisco in 2013," said Managing Partner Matthew J. Clark. "The San Francisco opening will not be done through a merger. Instead, we will open the office with Arent Fox partners and associates who will relocate to the City from Los Angeles, New York and, Washington. We expect to add partners strategically as part of both the firm's strong organic growth in California and our continued commitment to provide clients with first-rate legal services."

The building at 1717 K Street, NW, was designed to achieve Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings system. Only designs that meet LEED's exacting criteria for sustainability in materials and construction, ecological and atmospheric quality, and efficiency in power and water can receive the endorsement. LEED design benefits include savings in utility costs and a healthier work climate.

Pei Cobb Freed is known across the globe for projects that include the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong and the entrance to the Louvre in Paris, France. Among its buildings in Washington are the International Monetary Fund Headquarters 2 and the Warner Building at 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition, Pei Cobb Freed designed the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, for which Arent Fox serves as general counsel.

ABOUT ARENT FOX

Arent Fox LLP, founded in 1942, is internationally recognized in core practice areas where business and government intersect. With more than 350 lawyers, the firm provides strategic legal counsel and multidisciplinary solutions to clients that range from Fortune 500 corporations to trade associations. The firm has offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC.